Hemp/Cannabis Glossary: The Essentials
We’ve been doing deep dives into many of the different aspects of hemp consumption. Today, more than ever before, there is a ton of information to keep straight. Luckily for you, I’ve compiled a glossary of essential terms so you can feel educated without having to do a ton of research or reading to stay informed. Think of it as your one-stop-shop, or a crash course on cannabis and hemp.
Cannabis
It’s fitting that the first word alphabetically is the foundation of everything else we’re about to cover. Cannabis refers to the plant that started it all. It is believed to have been native to Asia thousands of years ago. Today, this plant has spread its roots all across the globe. Legally, cannabis is any plant from this family that contains a concentration of greater than .3% delta 9 THC.
CBG
Cannabigerol is a cannabinoid produced in trace amounts from cannabigerolic acid. It is more prevalent in younger cannabis and hemp plants, and usually only contributes to 1% of the chemical makeup of most full grown plants. In recent years scientists and farmers have been able to produce plants with higher concentrations of CBG.
CBGA
Cannabigerolic acid is located in the trichomes of young hemp and cannabis plants. It eventually evolves into the cannabinoids we know and love, including THC and CBD.
Cannabinoid
Cannabinoids are found in both mammals and plants. According to the alcohol and drug foundation, a cannabinoid is “every chemical substance, regardless of structure or origin, that joins the cannabinoid receptors of the body and brain and that have similar effects to those produced by the cannabis sativa plant”. Generally, when people use the word they are referring to the cannabinoids found in cannabis or hemp. Technically, the cannabinoids found in cannabis or hemp are phytocannabinoids, and the cannabinoids produced in our bodies are endocannabinoids.
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors are found in the brains and central nervous systems of all animals with a spinal cord. These receptors are responsible for learning and memory, emotional processing, sleep, temperature and pain control, and appetite. When cannabinoids like delta 8 or HHC interact with the CB1 receptors, the result is the high that you feel.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are located in the immune system, organs, metabolic tissue, and the peripheral nervous system of vertebrates. These receptors are necessary for immune function and inflammation regulation. Cannabinoid interaction with the CB2 receptors has paved the way for research into medical marijuana.
Delta 8 THC
A cannabinoid typically found in trace amounts in either hemp or cannabis. One of the cannabinoids that has become popular after the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which legalized hemp on a federal level in the US. Most delta 8 today is synthesized from hemp-derived CBD. Delta 8 provides a less anxious and paranoid high than traditional delta 9 THC. Try it for yourself with our prerolls or blunts.
Delta 9 THC
When people mention the word “THC”, this is what they’re talking about. The OG cannabinoid discovered in the 40’s by Roger Adams. Best known for getting people high. For a long time, delta 9 was the only option high-seekers had if they wanted to consume cannabis. In recent years, other cannabinoids have exploded onto the scene providing consumers a completely unprecedented level of selection when it comes to choosing their high.
Discount
Thanks for taking the time to read! We appreciate people like you and just for that we’re giving you 25% off your next order, just use code: icanread
Endocannabinoid System
A system of receptors located throughout the bodies of vertebrates. These receptors interact with the endocannabinoids that our bodies produce; they are also affected by the phytocannabinoids in cannabis and hemp. This system is why our bodies react the way they do to cannabis and hemp consumption.
Entourage Effect
Think of cannabinoids and terpenes as the only successful example of a group project. They work better together (as an entourage, if you will) to determine how one will be affected by a particular strain of hemp or cannabis. Experience the entourage effect for yourself with our prerolls that contain your choice of delta 8 or HHC, and CBG.
Hemp
Legally, this refers to any variety of cannabis plant that contains less than .3% (delta 9) THC. In the US, hemp was declared federally legal by the 2018 Farm Bill. Many of the cannabinoids you see today are derived from hemp, hence the sudden up-shoot in their popularity.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol is another cannabinoid initially discovered in the 1940s by Roger Adams. It naturally occurs in very small amounts in cannabis and hemp. Today, it is most commonly made by adding hydrogen to hemp-derived CBD. Said to be 80% as potent as THC, but more potent than delta 8. Whether you’re looking for a preroll or disposable vape pen, we’ve got you covered.
Hybrid
A strain that is a crossbreed of indica and sativa hemp or cannabis. My mind immediately goes to punnet squares and genealogy. These strains offer the best of both worlds, a nice in between for when you can’t decide.
Indica
A subspecies cannabis or hemp plants. Indicas are known for their relaxing effects and body high and are ideal for night time.
Sativa
Another subspecies of cannabis or hemp plants. Sativas are known for their mental stimulation, and typically provide a more energized experience than the average indica. I’m personally a sucker for sativas, and am currently obsessing over our pink lemonade sativa HHC prerolls.
Terpenes
Terpenes, aka terps, exist naturally in plants and even some animals. When it comes to cannabis and hemp, terpenes are responsible for how different strains smell and taste. Think wine tasting, but with weed.
Now you’ve got all the basics down and you can shop with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Choose between HHC and delta 8; indica, sativa, or hybrid, and indulge your senses with our terpene selection. Rest assured that you won’t be left out of the loop just because the world of weed has evolved at a record pace in recent years.